Waves Finish Strong at Gopher Invitational

The men's golf team took fifth place and Sahith Theegala came in third.

INDEPENDENCE, Minnesota – The Pepperdine men’s golf team took fifth place at the season-opening Gopher Invitational on Monday, while returning All-American Sahith Theegala posted a third-place finish.

With Theegala and sophomore Hunter Epson both going below par in the third round, the Waves posted a big improvement over the first two rounds, firing a 1-under 283 to keep hold of fifth place. Over the two days at the par-71 Windsong Farm Golf Club, Pepperdine shot a 14-over 866 (293-290-283). The Waves were one of only three teams to shoot under par in the third round.

PLAYER SCORES

Theegala (Chino Hills, Calif./Diamond Bar HS) had a final-round 2-under 69, which included five birdies, giving him a total of a 6-under 207 (68-70-69). Theegala briefly held the lead midway through the third round before he was passed. He had 13 birdies in all, tied for the tournament high.

Sophomore Clay Feagler (Laguna Niguel, Calif./Dana Hills HS) ended with a 73, giving him a total of 220 (71-76-73) and a tie for 31st place.

Epson (Long Beach, Calif./Wilson HS) also tied for 31st, finishing with a 1-under 70 that brought him to 220 (78-72-70). His final round included six birdies.

Senior Anthony Cecere (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif./St. Margaret’s Episcopal School) saved his best round for last, an even-par 71. He tied for 46th at 222 (79-72-71). His final round featured five birdies.